Measuring dispenser



Nov. 21, 1961 A. LEW

MEASURING DISPENSER Filed July 3, 1959 INVENTOR. ABRAM LEW TTORNEY.

United States Patent ()fifice 3,009,608 Patented Nov. 21, 1961 3,009,608 MEASURING DISPENSER Abram Lew, Leominster, Mass., assignor to M.K.W. Corporatron, Leominster, Mass., a corporation of Massachusetts Filed July 3, 1959, Ser. No. 824,854 4 Claims. (Cl. 222-364) This invention relates to a measuring dispenser. In particular, it relates to a measuring dispenser suitable for use with disposable containers of soap powder and other similar granulated materials.

Soap powders, detergents and granulated food products are packaged almost exclusively today in disposable cardboard containers, usually rectangular in cross-section both horizontally and vertically. With such containers, dispensing is accomplished through an opening to be made under indicated perforations in the top or side of container.

However, the control of dispensing is typically poor with containers of this sort that are opened in this man ner. Attempts that have been made in the past to provide measuring spouts and the like and have been typically confined to built-in spouts, which, because of the limitation of space and structure have been inadequate.

In accordance with the present invention, a device has been developed which can be readily used and re-used with disposable containers of powdered substances and which easily and repeatedly dispenses a measured quantity of material.

The invention comprises generally an accessory made of plastic or the like which comprises a frame section which attaches to a box and holds a pivotable troughlike dispensing member with a sealing wall.

In preferred form, the frame section has a vertical front wall and opposing vertical side-walls defining a vertical opening, and cooperating pivot attachment means. This frame section has a clamping section extending from the rear of the opening which comprises a flat top member with a cooperating spring like bottom member adapted to engage the top-cover portion of a container. Pivotly spaced and closely fitted in the vertical opening of the frame is a scoop-like dispensing member open on top and rear, and having a bottom comprising a depressed portion and a rear flat section slightly longer in length than the frame opening. The dispensing member has vertical sides which preferably curve down to meet the outer end of the rear fiat section. Pivot attachment means, cooperable with the pivot attachment means on the frame are preferably spaced on the side walls adjacent to the boundary between the rear and trough sections of the bottom surface. The dispensing member preferably has a front Wall which extends from the trough to meet the top of the side walls.

Further objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the description of preferred embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation of the device in a loading position in a box.

FIG. 2 is an upper oblique left-side view of the device as illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the device in unloading position in a box.

.FIG. 4 is a left side view of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the device per se in loading position (FIG. 1).

The illustrated device 11 is inserted on the top of a box of powder 12 in which a portion 12:: of the top has been bent back. The device comprises a holder 15 and a dispensing scoop 16. Spring prong or prongs 17 and flat top Wall 18 serve to position the device on the box.

The holder 15 has vertical side walls 19 and 20 as well as a depending front wall 21 which cooperates with the corresponding walls of the box. These three walls define a vertical open space 22. On the upper portion of the side walls are extensions 23 and 24 in which holes 25 and 26 are positioned. Holes 25 and 26 cooperate with pins 31 and 32 of scoop 16 so as to provide the pivotal attachment.

The dispensing scoop 16 has vertical side walls 27 and 28 and is open on top and in the rear. The bottom surface has in back a somewhat flat portion 29 and in front a depressed portion 30. A front wall 33 is integral with the bottom and connects to the front of the side walls. The side walls curve down to said flat portion 29 and have pins 31 and 32 positioned near the boundary of said rear and trough sections. The length of flat portion 29 is slightly longer than open space 22 so that movement of scoop 16 causes portion 29 to block opening 22.

In operation the box is cut open on one end of the top or side and the cardboard either bent back or removed, thus opening a portion of the box to the interior. The device is then slipped on by its holding section 17, 18 with 17 extending through the opening in the box which results in the vertical opening 22 of the frame registering with said opening. The dispensing member thus has its rear flat portion 29 pivotable in the box. If the operator then holds the box so that its vertical sides are now horizontal, the powder flows into the dispensing member 16 filling it to a level 13 determined primarily by the size of the depression thereof. To discharge the contents, the operator merely pivots the dispensing scoop 16 so that the dispensing end 33 or front wall is downward. This movement raises said rear portion 29 of the dispensing member upwards against the inner member 17 so as to close off the box opening and prevent any further powder leaving the box.

The dispenser being now bent downward and vertically, discharges the powder which had previously flowed into it. This entire operation can be carried out in a matter of seconds and provides a ready and simple method of controlled dispensing of powdered material.

This invention is not limited to the specific embodiment illustrated herein. Its scope is defined by the claims appended hereto as well as equivalents therefor. Thus, for example, the invention can be made of whatever size is appropriate for the dispensing use intended. Further, the clamping members of the holder can be varied shape and construction and can include a handle, if desired.

I claim:

1. A measuring dispenser comprising a frame section having a horizontal wall and opposing side walls defining a vertical opening, cooperating clamping members extending upward from the opening and pivotal attachment means, and a dispensing member associated with said opening, pivotally attached to said attachment means, and characterized as being open on top and in rear and having vertical side walls, bottom trough and a rear bottom flat portion slightly longer than said vertical opening.

2. A measuring dispenser comprising a frame section having a horizontal wall and opposing side walls defining a vertical opening, cooperating clamping members extending upward from said opening and pivotal attachment means on said side walls adjacent the top rear thereof, and a dispensing member characterized as being open on top and in rear and having a trough on the bottom, a rear bottom flat portion slightly longer than said vertical opening, side walls curving to meet the end of said rear portion and having a pivotal attachment means spaced on said side walls adjacent the boundary of said rear and trough sections.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein in the dispensing 3,009,608 3 4 member there is a front Wall connecting the trough with pressed portion being always external to the box with the tops of said side walls. which it cooperates.

4. A measuring dispenser comprising a frame having means for clamping to a wall of a box having an opening References C t d in th fil of this patent on said wall; said frame having an opening registerable 5 UNITED STATES PATENTS with said wall opening, pivotal attachment means and a dispensing member; said dispensing member being pivg i i otally connected to said pivotal attachment means and 1781968 Y characterized as being open on top, and in the rear, hav- 1967448 laens 3 1930 ing a rear flat bottom portion slightly longer than and ca- 1 2613956 g pable of closing said frame opening, side walls, and a depressed bottom portion between said side walls; said de- 

